Lester Picker Photography: Uganda and Tanzania Safari June 7 - June 19, 2018

Transcription

1 Les Picker p h o t o g r a p h y ADVEN URES Lester Picker Photography: Uganda and Tanzania Safari June 7 - June 19, 2018 Itinerary for Lester Picker Escape to the wilds of Tanzania and Uganda on a timeless African wildlife safari led by professional photographer, Les Picker. Enjoy world-class wildlife photography opportunities from three marquis locations in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as well as gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend each day photographing large numbers of big cats, the Big Five and with some luck, immense herds of wildebeest as they migrate through the heart of Seronera Valley. Your Tanzanian guides have decades of experience leading guests into the bush. They bring with them laser-precise wildlife- spotting skills and a wealth of knowledge on Tanzania's natural history. Signature upgrades include rover teams of just three photographers per vehicle, increased weight allowance on the internal bush flight, camera tech tents at each bush camp and a private tented camp set in the heart of Seronera. If you have ever dreamt of going on safari, this is the chance to experience the best of what Tanzania and Uganda have to offer.

2 YOUR ITINERARY 6/7/18 Thursday Arrival to Uganda Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel this evening. Transfer Upon Arrival in Uganda A Volcanoes Safaris representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. Accommodations: Protea Entebbe Marriott Hotel Meals Included: Dinner 6/8/18 Friday Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an expansive primordial forest set on the edge of the Albertine Rift in southwestern Uganda. Known as one of the last strongholds of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, guests spend several days trekking amongst the bamboo in search of these tranquil, yet massive apes. Transfer to the Airstrip Eat a hearty breakfast this morning before being transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Kihihi, where you will be met by your guide. Flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Take a short domestic flight over Uganda. Transfer to your Lodge Your expert guide will meet you at the Kihihi Airstrip and transport you two hours by vehicle to your lodge.

3 Relax at Bwindi Lodge Soak in your surroundings at Bwindi Lodge this afternoon. Enjoy a drink or snack at Bwindi Bar, a Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust project which offers hospitability experience to disabled youth, enjoy the sweeping views of the forest canopy, or keep warm by the fireplace and chat with fellow travelers. Accommodations: Bwindi Lodge 6/9/18 Saturday Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda offers challenging trekking for any reasonably fit traveler. Lush jungle trails can be steep, but the experience of seeing gorillas in the wild will be well worth the effort. Briefing on Gorilla Tracking Etiquette Before you set foot on the trail, your guide will brief you on what to expect and how to behave in the presence of the gorillas. As they are an extremely rare species living in a fragile environment, it is extraordinarily important for you to observe some simple rules. Please note that anyone suffering from cold or flu symptoms, or any other infectious conditions will not be permitted on the trek. Gorilla Trek With your guide leading the way, explore the lush, dense forest in search of gorillas. Trekking conditions may be strenuous, so please be prepared with the proper equipment provided in your packing list. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend a maximum of one hour in their presence, during which any thoughts of strenuous hiking will be forgotten! Accommodations: Bwindi Lodge

4 ! 6/10/18 Sunday Bwindi Impenetrable Forest As you search for Gorillas, trek through rainforest that is alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed. This primeval wilderness provides the dramatic setting for a truly extraordinary wildlife viewing experience. Second Gorilla Trek Take another excursion into the forest with your guide to look for gorillas. Trekking times may vary from as little as one hour to as long as six hours, if the gorillas are roaming a particularly remote corner of the mountains. It is highly probable that you will see gorillas on one or more trekking days, but due to the wild and unpredictable nature of such an endeavor, gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed. Accommodations: Bwindi Lodge 6/11/18 Monday Uganda to Serengeti National Park Board a scenic flight from Entebbe, Uganda to Tanzania s Serengeti National Park. Transfer from Bwindi Lodge to Kihihi Airstrip Enjoy one last breakfast in Uganda before taking a 2-hour transfer to Kihihi Airstrip. Flight from Kihihi to Entebbe A short flight will bring you to back to Entebbe. 3:30pm Auric Air Flight from Entebbe to the Serengeti

5 Meet Your Guides at the Airstrip You will be welcomed by your guides upon arrival at the airstrip. They will accompany you throughout your safari, offering cultural insights, wildlife spotting expertise and in-depth knowledge of wildlife behavior. Wildlife Viewing En Route to Your Nyumba Enjoy the journey to your next Nyumba camp, as there will be plenty to see along the way. Perhaps you will come across a chase between predator and prey; maybe you will spot a wake of vultures; or maybe you will be lucky enough to find a leopard relaxing high in the limbs of an acacia tree. Evening at Your Nyumba Spend some time at your Nyumba in the Serengeti this evening. Before dinner, enjoy a workout, utilizing the Nyumba s Keep Fit Kit, or just put your feet up and relax in and around the dining tent, exchanging safari tales with your fellow travelers. Photo Tech Tent Available Until 9pm Your group will have exclusive access to a photo tent while staying at Thomson Camps. Chairs, tables, lighting and a generator are provided in this tent so you can clean and recharge equipment and download photos. Please note that the generator will be turned off promptly at 9pm each night in order to preserve the pristine ambiance of the wilderness at night. Accommodations: Serengeti Nyumba Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner 6/12/18 Tuesday Serengeti National Park The Serengeti, Tanzania's second largest national park, covers nearly 6,000 square miles of grassland plains, savannah, kopjes, hills, woodlands, and riverine forests. The Grumeti, Mbalageti, and Mara river systems serve as critical water sources and are often excellent sites for wildlife viewing. Beyond the heralded migration of wildebeest and zebra, the Serengeti is best known for its big predators, including cheetah and leopard, as well as large prides of lions and clans of hyenas. Other commonly seen animals include gazelle, buffalo, giraffe, topi, hartebeest, ostrich, and jackal, but it is the full diversity of wildlife and habitats that you will truly find amazing. The greater Serengeti ecosystem actually covers the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and numerous surrounding wildlife-protected lands that combine for a total of almost 17,000 square miles, which is larger than the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all together. Full Day of Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti Go on a wildlife viewing drive in the Serengeti for a full day. Your expert guide will point out wildlife that few others could hope to spot, whether a leopard well-concealed in the trees or a lion deep in the savannah grasses.

6 Picnic Lunch Enjoy your lunch outdoors in a scenic spot. Relax at Your Camp Once you return from wildlife viewing, take time to sit by the fire and relax. Exchange stories of the day, write in your journals or simply enjoy the fresh evening breeze. Accommodations: Serengeti Nyumba Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner 6/13/18 Wednesday Serengeti National Park The most social of the big cats, lions live in groups called prides, comprised mostly of females and cubs and only 1-2 adult males. Typically prides have 6-12 lions, but can sometimes have more than 30 members. Superior hunters, lionesses inherit the same territories as their mothers while young males roam until they drive out old males from other prides to take over leadership. As lionesses hunt in groups and often at night, you are more likely to see prides as they languidly stretch out in the brush, underneath an acacia tree, or in the shade of a large rock formation. Particularly in the Serengeti, males who reside around savannahs and plains develop large dark manes as they grow older. The lion s roar, a familiar sound in the Serengeti at night, can be heard from over five miles away. Morning Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti There is nothing as marvelous as traversing the plains of the Serengeti just after dawn and through the morning hours. Look for herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, impala, eland, topi, and more out on the savanna. Lunch at Your Nyumba What better way to enjoy a view of the Serengeti plains than over a satisfying, relaxing lunch at camp. Continue Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti Spend more time seeking out wildlife and exploring the Serengeti's rich landscapes. The socalled Big Five and the Great Migration are the most well-known of the Serengeti's offerings, but there is much more to see. Thousands of equally fascinating dramas of a smaller scale play themselves out on these endless plains. Accommodations: Serengeti Nyumba

7 ! 6/14/18 Thursday Serengeti National Park What is the story behind the Big Five? It actually has nothing to do with the size of the animals. In the 1800s, colonial trophy hunters named buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard as the most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Thus, they were named the Big Five. Years later, tourism companies adopted the term and the list became the so-called five must-see animals while on safari. While it is possible to spot all the listed animals on your trip, leopard and rhino sometimes prove difficult to track down as they are both solitary, reclusive species. Ultimately, however, wildlife viewing in the Serengeti will be nothing short of amazing. Continue Your Exploration of the Serengeti Explore the pristine landscapes of the Serengeti with your guide's uncanny wildlife spotting instincts leading the way. Expansive plains, rolling hills, dramatic granite outcrops and riverine valleys are home to an endless variety of fascinating creatures, from the lowly dung beetle to the impressive elephant. Optional Afternoon at Your Nyumba Forgo scheduled activities and remain at your Nyumba this afternoon. You may wish to write in your journal, do some reading, or get some exercise using one of the camp's Keep Fit Kits. Accommodations: Serengeti Nyumba Meals Included: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner

8 ! 6/15/18 Friday Serengeti National Park The Serengeti, Tanzania's second largest national park, covers nearly 6,000 square miles of grassland plains, savannah, kopjes, hills, woodlands, and riverine forests. The Grumeti, Mbalageti, and Mara river systems serve as critical water sources and are often excellent sites for wildlife viewing. Beyond the heralded migration of wildebeest and zebra, the Serengeti is best known for its big predators, including cheetah and leopard, as well as large prides of lions and clans of hyenas. Other commonly seen animals include gazelle, buffalo, giraffe, topi, hartebeest, ostrich, and jackal, but it is the full diversity of wildlife and habitats that you will truly find amazing. The greater Serengeti ecosystem actually covers the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and numerous surrounding wildlife-protected lands that combine for a total of almost 17,000 square miles, which is larger than the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all together. Another Full Day of Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti Accommodations: Serengeti Nyumba 6/16/18 Saturday Serengeti National Park Most of us know about the Great Migration from nature programs that capture some of the most thrilling moments on film. Often misunderstood, the migration is a perpetual, year-round process involving over one million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra who roam the plains quietly, in search of food and water. While some antelope and hyena may follow the herds, other animals remain in their territories or have separate migratory patterns. The migration s most dramatic moments often occur when large numbers of wildebeest and zebra make river crossings, during which they must elude predators in a desperate fight for survival. There is no telling exactly when these highly dramatic movements will occur, but all safari-goers are sure to see plenty of wildebeest and zebra while in Tanzania.

9 Another Morning of Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti Spend another morning exploring the rich ecosystem of the Serengeti. Lunch at Your Nyumba What better way to enjoy a view of the Serengeti plains than over a satisfying, relaxing lunch at camp. More Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti More wildlife viewing awaits out on the plains, so enjoy the journey. You're sure to see something wonderful. Accommodations: Serengeti Nyumba 6/17/18 Sunday Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area The Maasai have long inhabited the vast plains that span the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will pass Maasai warriors and young boys herding their cattle alongside the road of this desert-like scrubland. Regularly migrating with their herds in search of water and grasses, the pastoralists have become master survivalists in what are often harsh and arid conditions. Boys learn to graze goats when they are six years old and warriors and others look after the larger herds. You ll also pass some Maasai homes (bomas) where Maasai women and girls labor at meeting all of their families needs. Eventually, you ll head up into the hills and highlands that lead to the Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife Viewing as You Depart the Serengeti As you follow the meandering path out of Serengeti National Park, take in the gorgeous scenery and wildlife viewing before moving on to the next part of your adventure. Boxed Lunch en Route Visit Olduvai Gorge Make a short stop at Olduvai Gorge, a deep ravine and site of fossilized remains of animals and hominids that date as far back as two million years. A brief lecture and small museum tour are included. Rest at Your Nyumba Rest at your Nyumba, taking in the hypnotic sounds of the wilderness around you. Accommodations: Ngorongoro Nyumba

10 ! 6/18/18 Monday Ngorongoro Conservation Area While rhinos are among the world s most ancient living mammal species, they nearly went extinct over the 1970s and 80s due to illegal hunting. Poachers decimated the once widespread population in order to obtain the rhinos horns. Much like elephants ivory tusks, the horns, which are actually dense amalgamations of hair that harden over time, have fetched high prices in criminal markets worldwide. More recently, increased conservation and anti-poaching efforts have stabilized rhino populations. Black rhinos can still be found in remote parts of the Serengeti, and are often spotted in the Ngorongoro Crater. They are extremely solitary creatures, and male bulls aggressively defend their territory. Calves stay with their mothers for up to five years. Search for these ancient and extraordinary creatures on the crater floor. Full Day of Wildlife Viewing in Ngorongoro Crater Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, where you are likely to find an abundance of wildlife. Over a full day of wildlife viewing, you might even see rhinoceros. The diversity of species often inspires awe. Picnic Lunch on the Crater Floor To maximize your wildlife viewing time on the crater floor, enjoy your picnic lunch near a hippo pool. Enjoy Ngorongoro Biodiversity Special Tanzanian Dinner Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian dinner this evening. Rich with spices and fresh local vegetables, this is a chance to sample the best of local cuisine. (Please note that this does not include game meat.) Accommodations: Ngorongoro Nyumba

11 ! 6/19/18 Tuesday Depart Stop at Cultural Heritage Center A shopping mainstay in Arusha, the Cultural Heritage Center attracts many travelers each year with its abundance of wooden carvings, artifacts, apparel, and crafts. The center also has Tanzanite and other gemstones for sale. While the center caters mostly to tourists, they also have wonderful cultural displays and a separate wing that displays some of the finest African art in Tanzania. Farewell Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge Enjoy a special farewell lunch in Arusha. Visit the adjoining Shanga workshop where physically challenged artisans create remarkable jewelry, learn glass-blowing, and sell their work. Day Room in Arusha Enjoy a day room in Arusha, resting up and readying yourself for your departure. Farewell Snack Enjoy a nutritious snack, including a variety of nuts, fruit, vegetables and other treats to enjoy now or on your flight home. Transfer as a Group to Kilimanjaro Airport Accommodations: Day Room at Mount Meru Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack Please note that for internal flights within Tanzania, the baggage limit is 50 pounds per person.

12 ACCOMMODATIONS Protea Entebbe Marriott Hotel Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Protea Entebbe Marriott Hotel offers comfortable and modern accommodations close to the airport. Amenities include free wireless internet access, laundry on-site, room service, cable/satellite TV, a fitness center, and more. Tides, the hotel's international restaurant, offers an appetizing a la carte menu. Bwindi Lodge Bwindi Lodge is nestled at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is the perfect home base for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The lodge boasts eight glass-front bandas with thatched roofs, each with a private balcony overlooking the forest. After an exciting day of gorilla trekking, guests can unwind near the fireplace in the main living area or use the large terrace to catch a glimpse of unique birds, golden monkeys, and even more gorillas that like to relax near the lodge. Serengeti Nyumba The Serengeti Nyumba will afford you an ideal way to camp comfortably in the wilderness, while immersing yourself in one of Tanzania s most spectacular ecosystems. The spacious, walk-in tents feature hand-crafted furnishings, cozy beds and fine linens as well as and en-suite bathroom facilities including a gravity-fed shower and self-contained flush toilet. Oversized, fine-mesh windows allow the breezes to circulate while keeping any bugs out. At the front of your tent, enjoy a private verandah with a stunning view of the vast Serengeti plains. Meals are served nearby in your dining tent, and are prepared by skilled chefs using the finest local products. Hot baked breads, freshly prepared salads, homemade soups, delicious entrees and scrumptious desserts highlight the daily menus. Each morning you ll have hot drinks brought right to your room, and each night you can relax by the fire with a cool beverage while star-gazing or sharing stories with your guide. Ngorongoro Nyumba This Nyumba is located at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater where it is poised for optimal access not only to the nearby cultural treasures, but also to the crater floor where you will experience exceptional wildlife viewing. The air here has a heavenly fresh scent, though the high elevation (about 7,200 feet) makes for potentially chilly nights; it will be important to bring warm clothes, per your packing list. The exceptional camp crew will make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable, for example, making sure hot showers are available in your en suite bathroom, preparing delicious fourcourse meals and offering you drinks or snacks around the roaring camp fire.

13 Mount Meru Hotel An Arusha mainstay near the busy downtown area, the Mount Meru Hotel sits on a 15-acre garden and provides comfortable, modern accommodations. Amenities include cable TV in all rooms, internet access, currency exchange facilities, concierge, massage services, babysitting on request, playground for children, outdoor swimming pool, sun bed, a volleyball court, and a nearby golf course. The Themi Grill serves both international and African cuisine.

14 Included On Safari Accommodations Based on Double Occupancy Meals as Noted in Itinerary, Inclusive of Restaurant Staff Tips Complimentary Bottled Drinking Water Throughout Your Safari All Park Fees Complete Preparation Materials Including Helpful Tips, Packing List, Trip Expectations, Tipping Guidelines, Etc. Access to a Personal Safari Trip Manager by Phone or , Five Days a Week Full-Color, 120-page Safari Journal Services of Professional Safari Guides and Drivers Safari Briefings Throughout Your Trip Services of Nyumba Camp Staff Including Chef and Waitstaff Special Tanzanian Dinner at Ngorongoro Crater Tech Tent at Nyumba Camps for Charging Electronics until 9pm Each Night Keep Fit Kit at Each Nyumba Camp Land Transportation in a Customized, 4-Wheel Drive Safari Vehicle Unlimited Mileage in Safari Vehicles Guaranteed Window Seating in Safari Vehicles Maximum of 3 Travelers per Land Rover Scenic Internal Flight(s) as Noted in Itinerary Special 50lb Baggage Weight Limit for Internal Flight Guided Walks with a Naturalist, when Available Village, School, and Cultural Visits as Noted in Itinerary Airport Transfers as Noted in Itinerary Baggage Handling Farewell Lunch Services of a Professional Photographer Not Included On Safari *International Round-Trip Flight to Tanzania *Airline-Imposed Fuel Surcharges *Airline-Imposed Seat Assignment and Checked Baggage Fees *Fees for Passport, Visa, or Immunizations *Meals and Expenses en Route to Tanzania *Cost of Hospitalization or Evacuation *Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Soda *Laundry, Phone, Internet, and Items of a Personal Nature *Tips for Guides, Drivers, and Camp Staff

15 Included In Rwanda All Park Fees Accommodations Based on Double Occupancy Airport Transfers as Noted in Itinerary Meals as Noted in Itinerary Internal Flights as Noted in Itinerary Land Transportation in Comfortable, Customized 4x4 Vehicles 2 Gorilla Tracking Permits per Person Services of Volcanoes Safaris Staff Services of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Guides and Rangers Bottled Water and Coolers in Volcanoes Safaris Vehicles Baggage Handling Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge: House Beer, Wine, and Spirits Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge: 30-Minute Complimentary Massage Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge: Laundry Not Included In Rwanda *Tips for Hotel Staff, Guides, and Drivers *Cost of Hospitalization or Evacuation *Fees for Passport, Visas, Immunizations, and Insurance *Laundry, Phone, Internet, and Items of a Personal Nature Unless Otherwise Noted *Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Soda Unless Otherwise Specified *Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge: Cellar Wines, Top-Shelf Spirits, and Champagne Please note: LPFA will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. Any unforeseeable changes in fees, such as fuel surcharges, increased park fees or other fees that are out of LPFA control, will be the responsibility of the guest. Some conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may also necessitate changes in the itinerary. LPFA reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant. This is a proposed itinerary and does not reflect actual availability of the accommodations. Upon receipt of your non-refundable deposit, LPFA will proceed to book the above itinerary. In the event that any accommodation is not available we will substitute a comparable property or adjust the itinerary if necessary without compromising the integrity of the overall safari experience. If this affects the price, we will notify you before confirming the arrangements. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit cards for the initial deposit, and require the balance to be paid by check, money order or wire transfer. The price quote is good for one month from the date it is quoted.